King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 14:2 Mean?

2 Kings 14:2 in the King James Version says “He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother'...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.”

2 Kings 14:2 · KJV

Context

1

In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah.

2

He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.

3

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father: he did according to all things as Joash his father did.

4

Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places.

Read 2 Kings 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 14: Pride leads to downfall; God's mercy continues. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 14 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Amaziah of Judah and Jeroboam II) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 14 regarding pride leads to downfall; god's mercy continues?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
בֶּן1 of 16

“old”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְעֶשְׂרִ֤ים2 of 16

“He was twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וְחָמֵ֤שׁ3 of 16

“and five”

H2568

five

שָׁנָ֔ה4 of 16

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הָיָ֣ה5 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מָלַ֖ךְ6 of 16

“and reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

וְעֶשְׂרִ֤ים7 of 16

“He was twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וָתֵ֙שַׁע֙8 of 16

“and nine”

H8672

nine or (ordinal) ninth

שָׁנָ֔ה9 of 16

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

מָלַ֖ךְ10 of 16

“and reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃11 of 16

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְשֵׁ֣ם12 of 16

“name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אִמּ֔וֹ13 of 16

“And his mother's”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

יְהֽוֹעַדָּ֖ין14 of 16

“was Jehoaddan”

H3086

jehoaddin or jehoaddan, an israelitess

מִן15 of 16
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃16 of 16

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 14:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Kings 14 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Kings 14 with CommentaryAll 2 Kings ChaptersComplete 2 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes